Art in December!

The Season of Lights is upon us. Hello, December! Bundle up and venture out to any one of these wonderfully creative events. This list is updated as new events become available throughout the month, so feel free to check back and discover what may be new! Note that some classes and events have registration deadlines. Scroll down for details and links!

Draw with me in December!

Wednesday, December 15, 6:30-9 p.m.

Note: I will return to teaching online Zentangle (R) classes in February 2022!

12 Days of Zentangle
"It has become an annual Zentangle tradition for ZT HQ to celebrate the holiday season with a series we call The Twelve Days of Zentangle. For twelve consecutive days, we deliver daily tangling lessons, guiding you through the steps to create tangled works of art that are all part of a festive theme. We are just a few short weeks away from the 2021 12 Days of Zentangle. Videos will begin December 11th. Register for emails at zentangle.com"

Registration is open!
January 13-March 10
Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting for Youth (ages 10-18), Great Lakes Academy of Fine Art, 810 W. 3rd Street
"This collaboration between Great Lakes Academy of Fine Art and St. Paul Art Academy is to provide area youth with a structured program that develops solid drawing and painting skills based on an in-depth understanding of the essential principles of art. Using the patented curriculum developed by the St. Paul Academy, which has a solid track record of 25 years in training youth, we guide students through techniques in pencil, pen and ink and watercolor. As students progress through the program, they are continually challenged with new assignments that take them to higher levels of understanding. Choose between Thursday evening or Saturday morning or afternoon sessions. Each class is 2 hours and runs for 8 weeks. Detail and registration are available at www.greatlakesacademyoffineart.com"

Details on all events, and more, below!
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All events are listed in chronological order, where possible. Click on colored text throughout to link to more information. 

November 31–December 7
Duluth Art Institute Silent Auction, A Virtual Giving Event
"Duluth Art Institute is hosting an online auction and accepting donations to fix a leaky roof in our Lincoln Park building. After insurance and a generous $25,000 donation, our roofing & renovation bill is still at $45,000. We need your help to keep students, instructors, renting artists, and staff warm and dry. 40+ artists rely on the building’s studios, and classes benefit 200+ youth and adults annually. Open studio time, a print studio, a ceramics studio, and a photography studio serve the daily creation of art, from pocket-sized pieces to 75’ murals.

"Please visit duluthartinstitute.org/Donate-Now for a simple online donation form and full list of alternate giving options. Throughout December, the first 50 donations at or above $200 will receive a two-deck set of vintage limited-edition cards designed by regional artists. And, join the online silent auction to bid on creative gift bundles or enter the raffle to win mystery artwork by regional artists."

Wednesdays, December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Ojibwe Storytime, St. Louis County Historical Society Museum, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Every Wednesday St. Louis County Historical Society Museum Assistant Abby Johnson reads stories in the Eli’s Farm Interactive Children’s Exhibit on level 2 of the Duluth Depot. Three 15-to-30-minute sessions are offered. Based on attendance, times are subject to change.

"Storytime aims to introduce children to the world of Ojibwe cultural teachings. Storytelling in the Ojibwe culture is a traditional way to pass on knowledge. This interactive experience is done in a safe and clean environment. Sessions are aimed at 2-to-12-year-olds. However, all ages are welcome. All books have been approved by the society’s American Indian Advisory Committee."

Friday, December 3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday, December 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Merry Little Christmas Book Sale, Superior Public Library, 1530 Tower Avenue
"The Friends of Superior Public Library’s annual sale features bestsellers, cookbooks, children’s books, nonfiction titles and more. Items are in like-new condition. Masks are required."

Saturday, December 4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sunday, December 5, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Julebyen, Knife River Recreation Center, 199 Alger Smith Road, Knife River
"Indoor and outdoor marketplaces will showcase wares of artisans selected by a juried process, including crafts created in Knife River. Masks are required at inside the recreation building.

"The Julebyen Express train will take festival goers to Knife River and back from the Duluth Depot on both Saturday and Sunday. The popular Troll Train will run to Troll Canyon. Tickets are available at the Duluth Depot and the Troll Village in Knife River. For Julebyen activities and events, times, schedules and fares, go to julebyen.us."

Saturday, December 4, 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m.
Virtual Writer's Cafe, a Live Online Event
"Long-time Lake Superior Writers member Gail Trowbridge hosts a virtual meetup for writers. For the December gathering, bring a title of a book (any genre) that inspires you to write. This event is free to both LSW members and the public, but registration is required. Email writers@lakesuperiorwriters.org by Friday, Dec. 3; you will receive an email with a Zoom link close to the event."

Saturday, December 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Get it Local Gift Fair, Peace Church, 1111 N. 11th Avenue E. 
"This fair is for vendors who are Duluth and Superior residents only. The ultra local fair is a great event for shoppers to come shop locally."

Saturday, December 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Duluth Winter Village 2021, DECC Harbor Drive Outdoor
"There will be local vendors selling holiday gifts out of 29 wooden cabins, plus food, beer, carol singers, live animals, children’s activities, campfires by the lake, s’mores and more. This year’s event will continue to feature popular local businesses, food and drink, and the beloved llamas and goats. Promising additions will include ample parking on-site and an indoor “Yule Lodge,” located in the DECC’s Pioneer Hall, warmly decorated for enjoying special holiday beverages and foods."

Saturdays, December 4, 11, 18, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Christmas Market, Thirsty Pagan Brewing, 1615 Winter Street
"Thirsty Pagan Brewing’s Christmas Market in the historic Soo Line Depot in Superior features local vendors, a general store, hot drinks, bonfires, food and Santa Claus."

Saturday & Sunday, December 4 & 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Hillside Makers Market, The Holiday Center, 207 W. Superior Street
"Hillside Makers Market showcases 23 local vendors of homemade gifts."

Saturdays, December 4, 11, 18, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Hoops Makers Market, 325 S. Lake Avenue
"Browse seasonal and holiday items made in Duluth from vendors like Happy Space Duluth, D Town Merch, YØR Beadworks, Mago Glass, Eagleview Metalworks and many more."

Saturday & Sunday, December 4 & 5, 11-5 p.m.
Shop Small Duluth, Zeitgeist Arts Atrium, 222 E. Superior Street
"Zeitgeist, and the Greater Downtown Council are proud to present the Shop Small Duluth Holiday Popup Sale. Your one-stop shop for locally handcrafted gifts and art sure to make your season bright! Because gifts are better local. Featuring work by local vendors including: Warrior Printress Letterpress & Design, Luke Krisak Pottery, Kym Young Treats, Wax Journals & Zenith Tea, Tashia Hart, HeartBerry, Chris Monroe, Lisa Lokken, VLAMM Hair Creme.

"COVID INFO: Vendors and ANYONE in Zeitgeist Atrium be REQUIRED to wear a face mask. Zeitgeist may also require vaccination or negative test result proof for shoppers. More on this to come, but we want this to be a very SAFE in-person event."

Saturday, December 4, 12-3 p.m.
Olga Lakela Herbarium Tour and Plant Mounting Workshop, Multiple Locations
"The Arrowhead Native Plant Explorers tour the Olga Lakela Herbarium at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Following the Herbarium tour at noon, they will meet at the Bagley classroom for a herbarium specimen-mounting workshop. Attendees can learn basic mounting practices for preservation in natural history collections. The focus of the workshop will be mounting specimens from the ongoing “Flora of Glensheen” project. No prior plant identification or herbarium experience necessary. Materials will be provided. Pressed plant specimens created at the workshop will become a part of the permanent Olga Lakela Herbarium collection.

"Herbarium tour location: The herbarium tour will take place in Marshall W. Alworth Hall (MWAH) 76 at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Parking is available in Maroon Lot B on the corner of University and College Street.

"Plant-mounting workshop location: The plant mounting workshop will take place at the Bagley Outdoor Classroom at UMD. Parking for the workshop is available in the T-4 overflow lot near W. St. Marie and Maplewood Drive.

"COVID safety: This event will follow the University of Minnesota’s COVID prevention policies. All visitors are required to wear face coverings indoors. For additional information about COVID prevention and wellbeing at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, visit https://safe-campus.d.umn.edu/."



Saturdays, December 4 & 11, 12-3 p.m.
"Design, hand-carve, and print your very own set of greeting cards at Tight Squeek Press with artist Jon Hinkel. Students learn to carve an image in reverse, ink a linoleum block, handle high quality paper, and print their image using a historic printing press. This class will take place at The Tight Squeek Press in Downtown Duluth. All supplies are included. Cost: 
$70 Member ($80 Non-Member)

"***Proof of vaccination is required to participate in this class. On the first day of class students must present their vaccine card (a copy of it is okay) as well as a form of identification. Masks will be required."

Sunday, December 5, 1:30-4 p.m.

SoulCollage, St. Scholastica Monastery, 1001 Kenwood Ave.
"SoulCollage is a method of self discovery through the creation and analysis of a deck of collaged cards. The monthly SoulCollage Circle provides space for participants to play with images and allow their minds and hearts to come alive. Making the SoulCollage cards is part of the process and helps participants learn a bit about themselves.

"The annual cost to attend sessions is $220. Attending a four-month series costs $80. The monthly drop-in rate is $25. Drop-ins must register by 5 p.m. on the Friday before the Sunday session. For more information or to register contact Dawn Carrillo at dcarrillo @ duluthosb.org or call 320-260-8233."

Tuesdays, December 7, 14, 21, & 28, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Twinkling Holiday Evenings, Fairlawn Mansion, 906 E. Second Street, Superior, WI
"A self-guided holiday tour through the decorated Fairlawn Mansion. Cider, music, s’mores, crafts and more. This year, trees will be in each room, along with a special display in the Children’s Home exhibit. Enjoy sweet treats to go. Hosts scattered throughout the home will share Victorian customs and stories. 

"We are operating under staggered admittance times at 5:30, 6:00, 6:30 & 7:00 p.m. Each admittance time is limited to 25 people to allow for social distancing. However, guests are not limited to the amount of time spent in the mansion. Reserve your spot online, or through the gift shop. Masks are STRONGLY recommended. Covid-19 distancing & sanitation will take place at all events. Cost: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors/students, free for 12 and under."

Thursday, December 9, 4-5 p.m.
West Outdoor Nature Craft, Duluth Public Library, West Duluth Branch, 5830 Grand Avenue
"Craft and create while incorporating nature! Drop-in at any time. Outdoor Nature Crafts are weather-dependent. Event Type: Arts & Crafts; Age Group(s): Tweens, Teen"

Saturday, December 11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
"This online conference of learners from Minnesota, Manitoba, Ontario and beyond takes a deep dive into the book Rainy Lake House and what happened in the fur trade from 1821-1823. Attendees can choose one or multiple sessions of the conference.

"Written by Theodore Catton and published in 2017, Rainy Lake House weaves together the captivating stories of three men who cast their fortunes in different ways with the western fur trade. Catton creates a vivid depiction of the beautiful and dangerous northern frontier from a collision of vantage points: American, British and Indian; imperial, capital and labor; explorer, trader and hunter. The physical setting of the book extends from the Northwest Company Post at Fort William, west along the international boundary to the Red River Valley and east through the Great Lakes to Montreal and London, England.

"Presenters are David Shepard (Fort William Historical Park), Bill Hennessey (author of Pemmican Man), Michael De Jong (Thunder Bay Museum), Ted Catton (historian and author of Rainy Lake House), Gwen Danfelt (Drury Lane Books), Carolyn Dry (Native Perspectives), Tom McCann and John Gustafson (Historic Sites). It is required that attendees have read the book prior to attending the conference. Registration is required."

Saturday, December 11, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Neighbor-Made Gift Fair, Peace Church, 1111 N. 11th Avenue E. 
"This fair has area artisans. Come buy items made by the local maker. You'll love what you find."

Saturday, December 11, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Nice Girls of the North Second Saturday Marketplace, Spirit of the Lake Community School - on the corner of 54nd Ave East and Superior Street (Lakeside)
"At the Nice Girls of the North Second Saturday Market you'll be treated to lively music and a friendly atmosphere. Browse a collection of handcrafted clothing and bags, pottery, jewelry, stained glass, photography, personal care products, baby items and much more. Artists are on hand as personal shoppers to help you select just the right one-of a kind gift for every occasion. NOTE the new location!! Guest Artists: Jen of All Trades - upcycled and sustainable gifts & Patty Sampson - silk clothing

"We require everyone to wear your mask properly and maintain 6 feet of social distance. We have hand sanitizer available, sanitize our baskets between customers, and monitor to maintain safe capacity numbers. As local infection rates have decreased, we are going back to our central checkout. We will have a limited number of masks for sale if you need one. This location is handicap accessible."

Monday, December 13, 4-6 p.m. or 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 15,  4-6 p.m. or 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Intro to Pottery: Throwing Mugs, Duluth Maker Space, 3001 W. Superior Street
"Students will be introduced to the basics of pottery. Topics include: throwing, trimming, handle pulling/attachment and glazing. The cost of the class includes kiln firing one piece made by the student. Firing additional pieces will be charged accordingly. A glazing session will be scheduled with the student, or at the student’s discretion the teacher will glaze the pieces. Cost: $90"

Thursday, December 14, 6-8 p.m.
Newspaper Weaving, Duluth Public Library, Duluth Public Library (Main), Green Room, 520 W. Superior Street
"Learn how you can take old newspapers and craft them into a sturdy basket or bowl! Roll, tear, twist, and weave your way to a new skill with instructor Jenny Koczur. No experience is required and all materials will be supplied. Registration is required on our website. Event Type: Arts & Crafts; Age Group: Adults, Seniors"

Wednesday, December 15, 6-9 p.m.
Introduction to Embroidery: Make Your Own Patch with Lauren Faherty, Duluth Art Institute at Lincoln Park, 2229 W. 2nd Street
"In this three-hour class, students learn foundational hand embroidery techniques and stitches. By learning a variety of stitches like couching, seeding and satin stitch, participants will be able to add texture and dimension to their stitching projects, and will craft a completed embroidery during the class to take home.

"All supplies are provided by the Duluth Art Institute. Cost: $25 for DAI members and $30 for non-members. Proof of vaccination is required to participate. On the first day of class students must present their vaccine card (or a copy of it) and a form of identification. Masks will be required. More information and registration can be found at duluthartinstitute.org."

Wednesday, December 15, 6:30-9 p.m.
Zentangle (R) & Wine on Zoom!, with Esther Piszczek, Certified Zentangle Teacher
Stay home and draw pretty lines with me! RSVP required to me at episzczek@gmail.com by Monday, December 13, at 12 noon. Cost: Financial Ability: $15-$40; Financial Strain: $0-$14 

Thursday, December 16, 6-8 p.m.
Spoken Word Open Mic, Wussow's Concert Cafe, 324 N. Central Avenue
"The Spoken Word Open Mic series, hosted by Tina Higgins Wussow, is open to all genres. Writers interested in a 10-minute performance slot can simply sign up on arrival. The event occurs on the third Thursday of each month."

Saturday, December 18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Great Hall Marketplace, The Depot, 506 W. Michigan Street
"The Marketplace will showcase 50+ artists and makers throughout the building. Local and regional vendors with original products will offer a wide variety of items including art, jewelry, home décor, holiday décor, clothing, candles, and specialty food items. It is free and open to all."

On View
October 18-December 12
Roshan Ganu: In the Presence of Longing, Duluth Art Institute, John Steffl Gallery, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Each of us strives to belong to a place, to a culture, to a community. But people experiencing displacement in the form of migration (voluntary or forced) find themselves in what artist Roshan Ganu describes as a hybrid state. In this state rests a conglomeration of memories and cultural objects intertwined with the moments of a new reality. Experiencing In the Presence of Longing, viewers interact with Ganu’s poignant projections and mingle with three-dimensional collages. Each piece reflects how Ganu fosters comfort and belonging in her own life. Drawing from her childhood and cultural identity formed in Goa, India, Ganu examines how memories inform her present-day reality of living in the midwestern United States."

October 28-December 15
Remnants, UWS Holden Fine Arts Building, Catlin Avenue & 19th Street, Superior, WI
"The University of Wisconsin-Superior Visual Arts Department hosts works by visiting artists Amy Varsek, John Sager, Matt Kania and Erin Endsley for the “Remnants” art exhibition. The four artists operate in divergent mediums from sculpture to fibers to photography and printmaking. Each brings a unique take on the idea of artwork as a shadow to our world. The exhibition will be open for viewing weekdays through Dec. 15. Kruk Gallery is open Monday through Friday, 2 to 6 p.m."

November 19-December 19
Pepperkakaebyen 2021, a Virtual Event (Window Display at The Nordic Center, 23 N. Lake Avenue)
"Duluth Pepperkakebyen Gingerbread City started in 2011 as Son’s of Norway member and Norwegian native, Bente Soderlind’s idea to create a smaller Duluth version of Bergen, Norway’s world’s largest Pepperkakebyen (Gingerbread City) in the world! The Nordic Center of Duluth and Son’s of Norway Nortun Lodge will host the 10th Annual Pepperkakebyen Gingerbread City of Duluth (gingerbread city in Norwegian pronounced: pepper-kocke-BEE-in). Pepperkakebyen premiers online on Friday, November 19 at 6:30pm, with the Duluth City of the North Parade. You can also come by and safely see the Pepperkakebyen window display!"

October 4-January 10
63rd Arrowhead Regional Biennial, Duluth Art Institute, George Morrison Gallery, 506 W. Michigan Street
"As one of the longest-running biennials in the country, this exhibition features a wide range of artwork produced within the last five years from artists residing in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Michigan, and Ontario, Canada.

"63rd Arrowhead Regional Biennial artists showcasing their work: Allison Baker, Loretta Bebeau, Julie Benda, Rachel Bruya, Gary Carlson, MaryAnn Carlson, Susanna Gaunt, Carmen Gutierrez-Bolger, Christopher Harrison, Naomi Hart, Harrison Halker Heinks, Scott Helmes, Susan Hensel, Ashley Hise, Tia Keobounpheng, Kristi Kuder, Catrin Magnusson, Cassandra Quinn, Natalie Salminen Rude, Corrie Steckelberg, ChimakwaNibawii Stone, Tara Stone, Adam Swanson, Jonathan Thunder, Moira Villiard, Mary Welke, and Sam Zimmerman."

November 6-January 22
"Come see the artwork of Mikayla Haynes, Kelly O’Brien Beaster, and Melissa Boman.
Enjoy this show at the Dovetail Cafe & Marketplace."

October 11-January 2022
Michael Letts: Closer to the Wild, Duluth Art Institute, Corridor Gallery, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Michael Letts fosters connections to people in rural diners, bars, and northern Midwest crannies. Here, he finds beauty in the workers, hunters, and denizens of the backcountry and examines the mythology of American individualism. Letts reflects on how technology propels society to 'live more and more on a screen, through glass, literally flattened.' Mirroring this effect in his monoprint painting technique, Letts layers paint on glass plates before transferring the work onto canvas. Pairing this medium with subjects that combine traditional still life and portraiture, the viewer experiences a two-dimensional life closer to the wild."

December 6-January 30
Lake Superior Abstract Interest Group, Zeitgeist Arts Atrium Gallery, 222 E. Superior Street
"Come view this group exhibit featuring 15+ local artists presenting an original piece of abstract art. An art reception is pending for January."

Featured Class: Monday, December 7, 6-8 p.m.
Tonttu Gnomes with Cindy Ericksmoen, Duluth Folk School Library, 1917 W. Superior Street
"Join the fun and celebrate the holidays with your new Tonttu gnome family! Scandinavian folklore says, 'Tonttu protect the family from misfortune and bring good luck!' In this class, you will make a set of 5 burgundy felt gnomes: three for the tree; one as a jacket pin; and one long skinny gnome to hang. Gnomes are decorated with bells and beards and noses. You will be gluing the felt and sewing on the bells. 

"Registration Includes Instruction and all material. You will will go home with four gnomes to decorate your home, and one to wear as a pin. Just bring yourself (and maybe a pair of reading glasses)! No prior experience needed. Best for ages 18 years old and older. The instructor will have additional kits for sale at the end of class. Class Cost: $75"

Learn a Tangle!
Cruffle, created by Sandy Hunter, CZT, is a lovely organic tangle that can stand alone or be strung into a band to create a festive border. Click the link to learn how to draw this tangle line-by-line. Add some simple shading or a touch of color and use it to decorate envelopes, holiday cards, and bills. You can learn how to draw this tangle and many more on Linda Farmer's, CZT, blog at tanglepatterns.com.

Book & Film
Patterned Peace, by Esther Piszczek, CZT, published by Whole Person Associates, Duluth. Available on Amazon.com and Duluth Fine Pianos. Original, hand-drawn artwork ready to color. Includes full pattern index.
 
Life & Art Entangled, a 17 minute art documentary created by Lola Visuals featuring Zentangle (R) inspired artwork on a piano created by fine-line pattern artist Esther Piszczek, CZT, and the improvisational jazz piano music of Peter Brown. Life & Art Entangled debuted at the 2016 Duluth Superior Film Festival. Watch at YouTube.com.

Places to find my art in the Twin Ports:
Art on the Planet, 1413 Tower Avenue, Superior (ceramics, notecards, playing cards)
Duluth Fine Pianos, 331 W. Superior Street (next to Starbucks) (full gallery)
Master Framing Gallery, 1431 London Road, Duluth (notecards) 

Thank yous!
Thank you to Ed Newman for interviewing me for this article: Zentangle goes Zoom with Esther Piszczek, by Ed Newman, Ennyman's Territory, July 4, 2020.

Thank you to Amanda Hunter at Joseph Nease Gallery who put together 59 second videos for all participating artists of the Downtown Duluth Arts Walk's first virtual tour on March 27. Here is a link to the video she made of my work.

Thank you to Brian Barber of Perfect Duluth Day for featuring my artwork in January 2019: Perfect Duluth Day Selective Focus: Esther Piszczek

Other Places To Find Art
Where to find more local art events and profiles: Ed Newman's blog: Ennyman's Territory.
Connect with me on Facebook and stay updated on my classes/events on my web page, Eternal Possibility, and my Zentangle.com page, Esther Piszczek!

Thank you to Ed Newman, Perfect Duluth Day, and all others who contribute to this list.